WTB: NOS Wico 4-ways LEAF joystick

[Jeff AMN]

I'm looking for a NOS Wico 4-way leaf joystick for my panel. I'm curious if one is out there, we could work out a price if anybody responds...

[Kremmit]

Ebay seller ID: Nicade

'Dat's da man wit' da NOS Wico action.

[CheffoJeffo]

Agree with Kremmit ... dat's ware eye getz myne.

Cheers.

[Jeff AMN]

Agree with Kremmit ... dat's ware eye getz myne.

Cheers.

I just contacted him and he said he's all sold out.

Dang, I REALLY want one of those for my panel. The quest continues...

[markrvp]

Agree with Kremmit ... dat's ware eye getz myne.

Cheers.

I just contacted him and he said he's all sold out.

Dang, I REALLY want one of those for my panel. The quest continues...

Oooooh.  The one I have just became very valuable.

[Jeff AMN]

Ok mark...let's talk. How much do you think is fair for the stick (providing you are willing to sell it and not just announcing that you are lucky enough to have one)?

I realize it's a rare item, so paying a bit more isn't something I'm against as long as it's still fair.

[Grasshopper]

Your best bet might be to buy a 4 way base such as this one here and then get the remaining parts from an 8 way Wico joystick.

It might also be possible to fit a 4 way Wico restrictor to a perfect 360 joystick. I haven't actually tried this so don't blame me if it doesn't work. However the perfect 360 and Wico handles are apparently interchangeable so who knows.

[Timoe]

There's a guy on ebay who always has the 4 way base for $10.  And ponyboy has a grommet for $10 and replacement sticks for who knows how much.  It would be expensive but for $35 to $45 you could piece one together. 

If you go this route I will send you a dustwasher for free.

(any a you yahoos tryin ta get a free dustwasher can back off!  they're $1.50 for you!)

[markrvp]

Ok mark...let's talk. How much do you think is fair for the stick (providing you are willing to sell it and not just announcing that you are lucky enough to have one)?

I realize it's a rare item, so paying a bit more isn't something I'm against as long as it's still fair.

Nah, I'm gonna use it someday.  I wish I had bought a second one from Nicade sometime back, but I just assumed he would always have more.  He used to sell them for $25 each.  The last auction he had was two for $75.  I didn't need two more, so I passed.  Oops.

[Jeff AMN]

There's a guy on ebay who always has the 4 way base for $10.  And ponyboy has a grommet for $10 and replacement sticks for who knows how much.  It would be expensive but for $35 to $45 you could piece one together. 

If you go this route I will send you a dustwasher for free.

(any a you yahoos tryin ta get a free dustwasher can back off!  they're $1.50 for you!)

This is the route I might take, but I'm wondering if the feel will be identical to the old 4-ways if I do this. It sounds like a neat mini-project, but I want to be assured it's going to behave just like the NOS 4-ways if I'm going to spend that much time and money.

[Kremmit]

re:  building a 4-way Wico from parts- 

You've got your work cut out for you.  You'll have to source the correct leafswitches off of another Wico; nobody seems to be able to find a source for new ones.  Ponyboy's grommets feel softer than the originals to me.  4-ways use a smaller actuator than the 8-ways do, so you'll have to find one, or a same-size replacement.

Alternatives:  You could look for the P360 conversion kits that replace the leafswitches, they come up on ebay once in a while as well.

It may be possible to use a Happ 49-way handle and grommet inside a Wico base.  You'd have to wrap the bottom of the handle in tape or something to make it large enough for the actuator, or find a piece of tubing the right inner and outer diameter to replace the actuator.

You also might consider just hunting for a used one on ebay.  Watch for one attached to a complete control panel, or included in a large lot of sticks. 

re:  fitting Wico restrictor onto a P360- 

Not a direct replacement- the leafswitch holders and restrictor are all one piece, they go exactly where the P360's electronics go.  They probably would fit the screw holes, but then you couldn't attach the electronics.  Also, the inside of the leafswitch base is not molded to acccomodate the spring in the P360. 


Wow, I'm a 

[Jeff AMN]

Thanks for the advice guys. I've decided I'm just going to go with a Happs Super for my 4-way setup.

My dad owns a full machine shop that specializes in medical, aeronautics, communications, and electroincs equipment. I might try building a restrictor plate out of titanium (thin and strong) that could fit somewhere to give me 4-way action. I know it won't be a leaf, but I'll at least get the genuine 4-way behavior out of it.

If the restrictor plate works out, I'd be happy to try and find a way to offer them to others for a variety of sticks.

Maybe one day I'll replace the Happs with a Wico, but for now it's time to move on and get the project rolling.

[Timoe]

Before you go too crazy, let me recommend the ball top J-stick from Ultimarc or Divemaster.  It is pretty neat when used as a 4-way.

[quarterback]

My dad owns a full machine shop that specializes in medical, aeronautics, communications, and electroincs equipment. I might try building a restrictor plate out of titanium (thin and strong) that could fit somewhere to give me 4-way action. I know it won't be a leaf, but I'll at least get the genuine 4-way behavior out of it.

If the restrictor plate works out, I'd be happy to try and find a way to offer them to others for a variety of sticks.

You should do a search for the terms: Oscar, restrictor & plate and see what you come up with.  They are no longer in production (afaik) but there always seems to be a little interest in them.  My guess is that you could find a niche market here for something like what you're talking about.